Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association – 2025 Year-End Recap

 

Wow — 2025 was an amazing and incredibly productive year for the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association.

 

Throughout the year, GGFA board members were everywhere, advocating on nearly every issue affecting our fisheries and our fleet. To recap 2025, GGFA had board representation at every California Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting that addressed fishing regulations from Monterey to the Oregon–California border. Our consistent presence ensured that the voices of our CPFV fleet and fishing community were heard loud and clear.

 

GGFA also expanded its reach and strengthened its voice by merging with the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC), allowing us to advocate more effectively for our members and fisheries statewide.

 

One of the biggest wins of the year came from GGFA board member Tim Klassen, who played an instrumental role in getting all state waters reopened for rockfishing. This milestone opened the door for our fleet to return to the rockfish grounds and get back to what they do best — catching fish and making memories.

 

In March and May, GGFA board members attended multiple salmon smolt releases to show support for hatchery staff and thank them for their hard work in supporting and restoring our salmon fishery. In April, GGFA President Michael Rescino and Vice President James Smith visited rice fields alongside ranch managers and the Bridge Group to learn more about a new ten-year U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study. This innovative project involves releasing salmon smolts into rice fields, where they can grow before making their way downriver and out to the ocean. GGFA is extremely excited to be part of this collaborative effort and to support new strategies that benefit salmon survival.

 

GGFA board member John Atkinson traveled to Washington, D.C., alongside James Stone (Nor Cal Guides & Sportsmen’s Association), Sarah Bates, and George Bradshaw (Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations) to advocate for a new hatchery on the main stem of the Sacramento River. The group met with more than 18 different offices and agencies, and their message was well received across the board.

 

Although the 2025 salmon season only lasted a total of seven days, our fleet made the most of the opportunity. Member boats reported spectacular fishing, but even more importantly, they reported something we haven’t seen in years — the coast was alive again. Tackle shops sold out, parking lots were full, launch ramps were packed, hotels were booked, and our CPFV fleet was sold out. It was incredible to see the excitement and energy return after multiple years of closures.

 

In August, GGFA board members participated in a NOAA Fisheries tagging study, tagging and releasing 100 mature adult Chinook salmon. This effort will allow researchers to track movements and monitor returns, providing critical data for future management decisions.

 

John Atkinson, also known as “Freshy,” continued traveling to multiple hatcheries alongside our partners at NCGASA to congratulate and thank hatchery staff for an outstanding year. The success of these hatcheries will directly support Bridge Group projects such as fish-on-rice-fields programs, imprinting pens on the Tehama-Colusa Canal, and direct releases of fed and unfed fry.

 

To close out the year, GGFA board members have been working tirelessly on planning our annual 2026 Crab Feed. This event will feature an incredible lineup of raffle and auction items, along with all-you-can-eat crab and pasta. If you haven’t already, be sure to get your tickets soon — before there are none left to get.

 

Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making 2025 such a successful year. We’re looking forward to an even stronger 2026.